Physicists solve a Holiday Problem. Implications for all Nutsgreenspun.com : LUSENET : Poole's Roost II : One Thread |
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1655000/1655558.stm link tohttp://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1655000/1655558.stm
-- Anonymous, November 22, 2001
I have not been able to find this problem in the "Journal of REPRODUCIBLE Results" and clearly does not qualify for J.I.R.
This problem which has vexed Mankind since the holding vessels were created seems to defy several Scientific Laws. We know from experiments at the Tower of Pisa that particles of various sizes (say cannon balls and pebbles)all fall to Earth in the same period of time (absent any undue friction as in the case of feathers or non-globe shaped items). Why a smaller particle would be at the bottom of a set of mixed particles seems to defy that.In reality, this problem can be looked at in a far different way that can be described but not solved mathematically vs. the BBC reported method.
In reality, this problem can be looked at in a far different way that can be described but not solved mathematically vs. the BBC reported method. Worse for the Scientists, the self-stratifying effects observed will occur in air, liquid or the absence of either (vac- packed).
Why? SMALLER PARTICLES WILL GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SYSTEM SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY CAN.
Consider the following simplistic Mind Experiment. Mentally picture a set of filtering sieves stacked upon each other that allow each set of smaller particles to fall to a lower level.
It is clear that by shaking each sieve horizontally primarily and vertically a small amount, the smaller particles will "work themselves down" thus "stratifying themselves".
That seems elementary.
Now it should be clear that in any "can of mixed nuts" situation, the larger nuts are acting as "sieves" for each successively smaller nut.
It should also be clear that over time, all systems will go to stratification no matter how "tightly packed" (how full the can) is.
While that might seem counter to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, close inpection of the system would show that in a tightly packed system, it is the force of friction that is holding the smaller particles "on top".
-- Anonymous, November 22, 2001
Great info.Thanks
-- Anonymous, November 22, 2001
But will this help find Osama? He's a big nut and should be at the top.
-- Anonymous, November 22, 2001
Dr. Mark is indeed a frauschuti.
-- Anonymous, November 22, 2001